Broken Bones and Ancient Magical Spells

The Indo-Europeans used their cosmogonic beliefs to influence their magic and charms, allowing the to heal those who had injury to their limbs. From the well-known Second Merseburg Charm we follow it back in time, and forward, to understand its origin and influence, and find out why these spells began, a time of the first man.

🌍 Links

🧡 Please respect other's cultures and beliefs. Racism, discrimination or threatening speech will not be tolerated.

📚 References
Adalbert Kuhn, "Indische und germanische Segensspruch," Zeitschrift
für vergleichende Sprachforschung 13
Oskar Ebermann, "Blut - und Wundsegen," Palaestra 24
Bruce Lincoln. Myth, Cosmos, and Society

📑 Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:11 The Proto Indo-European Creation Myth
4:38 Healing Charms
9:19 The Origin of the Merseburg Charm
21:06 Spells, Magic, and Cosmogony

[jarodmasci]

I am a physician and I love your channel. All of these charms appear to be instructions for HOW to set and splint a broken bone. Literal instructions for healers and non-healers, put into poetic/prayer/magic verse to facilitate remembering it. In med school there are still many mnemonic devices to this day that accomplish the same thing.

[zipperpillow]

In my case, a stone broke my bone, tore my flesh and splattered my blood, and a plant (cotton bandage) was used to wrap the wound. A charm was uttered over the wound (she said solemly: do you have any insurance?) and more plants were brought out by me (linen-paper money) and sacrificed for the benefit of influencing a good outcome. She then asked: "Do you have any cosmogonic beliefs?" and I answered: "Of course I do, I'm an Indo-European". "Good, In that case then" she said with grave ceremony, "we must now press flesh to flesh in a magical ritual, or your swelling will not go down properly."  I asked, "Are you trained in casting spells and the medical arts?" She said, "Oh no, this is a home remedy".

[eserkarma]

Sounds to me like the knife correspond to surgery, the plants refer to pharmacology, and the spells refer to lifestyle changes. Pretty good summary of major approaches to medicine we still use today.

[thomasbrown]

It never ceases to amaze me how brilliant our ancient ancestors were.

[viciouslady]

While visiting Ireland in 2016 I resprained my ankle so our inkeeper suggested visiting Dan O Neil a traditional bone setter . He treats race horses, dogs and people and its first come first serve by donation.
He definitely saved my holiday .

[MatthewCaunsfield]

I love how healing magic links back to the creation of the world

[JuliaIndomita]

The charm about Jesus which ends “flesh to flesh” is interesting in light of Augustine’s De Trinitate (On the Trinity) in which he writes that Jesus, as the Son of God, was incarnated as the Son of Man, a human, in order to save humankind; that Christ was like a medicine applied to a wound or disease, which was humanity’s sin; and that, for the cure to be most effective, the method of salvation had to match or correspond with the disease. Therefore, in order to save humankind (the disease), Christ had to become human (the medicine). Hence “flesh to flesh”.

[john-icpz]

it never ceases to amaze me how similar traditional beliefs were across the world.

I'm Thailand (from India), mantras that heal broken bones typically also stop bleeding as well. that these two styles of healing are grouped together in both cultures is not a coincidence imo

👍

[lesliewells-igdl]

Everytime i see a notification that you put out a new video, i smile and know I'm going to watch a really good video. Thanks!

[LilAshlynthehistorian]

I really love the content you talk about in your videos plus I really love your voice.. thank you for all your thorough research and hard work

[aariley]

I'm old now and I say "ger" all the time. Mainly when I am trying to get up!😂😂😂

[Crecganford]

Are there any charms or spells that you would like to know more about, or want to share?

[kittykat]

I feel lucky that the algorithm god's showed me the way to Creganford.
So soothing too

[AzureSkyCiel]

Instructions unclear: got ripped apart by my brother and made into a new cosmos.

[gaufrid]

Another excellent video Jon. It's obvious that the healing arts go back a very long time.

[ava.artemis]

So interesting. I’ve heard amazing stories about Australian Aboriginal healing techniques, specifically with regard to broken bones. All peoples who commune with nature hold such wisdom that we’ve lost. ♥️

[timothygervais]

Another ausome lesson Jon. On the healing of the bones, reminded me of a book that I read back in the 80's called (Mutant Message down under). The author traveled to Australia and went on a walk about. On her journey one of the group members broke his leg, they performed a healing process/ritual over the person. He was up and walking in days. If you get the chance check it out, I think you will find the book most interesting. Thanks again for sharing another wonderful video. Looking forward to your next video. Have a great weekend.

[NosaintPatrick]

This man has helped kindle more magic and understanding than many. He's helped on my journey into a more peaceful yet purposeful existence. Plus I do have a few cups of Moroccan mint as I digest information more and more. A great gratitude goes out to him. Slainté brother

[wizworldlive]

Medical magick is such an interesting area! Glad to see coverage of it. May ye find the glory-twigs in thy garden soon...

[kathywolf]

Fire was probably used as a cauterizing option.